U.S. patent number 9,630,198 [Application Number 14/995,006] was granted by the patent office on 2017-04-25 for remote controlled motion activated water repellant system and method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to WOODSTREAM CORPORATION. The grantee listed for this patent is WOODSTREAM CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Thomas J. Daly, Jr., Christopher T. Rich.
United States Patent |
9,630,198 |
Rich , et al. |
April 25, 2017 |
Remote controlled motion activated water repellant system and
method
Abstract
A motion activated water repellant sprinkler device for
repelling animals that can be remotely controlled is provided. When
the device is in on mode, the user can remotely adjust the
sensitivity setting of the motion detector, set a time period for
which the sprinkler will continually spray, and turn off the device
so that the user can approach the device without being sprayed. The
ability to set a particular time period for continuous sprinkler
activity allows the motion activated water repellant sprinkler
device to be used not only as an animal deterring device but also
as a watering device for grass and other plants. Remote control by
IR signals and RF signals is disclosed.
Inventors: |
Rich; Christopher T. (Lititz,
PA), Daly, Jr.; Thomas J. (Lititz, PA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WOODSTREAM CORPORATION |
Lititz |
PA |
US |
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Assignee: |
WOODSTREAM CORPORATION (Lititz,
PA)
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Family
ID: |
51934708 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/995,006 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160199865 A1 |
Jul 14, 2016 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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14294426 |
Jun 3, 2014 |
9242261 |
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13799580 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
9248464 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
12/122 (20130101); A01M 31/002 (20130101); B05B
15/70 (20180201); B05B 12/02 (20130101); A01M
29/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
12/12 (20060101); A01M 31/00 (20060101); B05B
12/02 (20060101); B05B 15/10 (20060101); A01M
29/00 (20110101) |
Field of
Search: |
;239/67 ;251/65 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Hall; Arthur O
Assistant Examiner: Barrera; Juan C
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jacobson Holman, PLLC.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser.
No. 14/294,426, filed Jun. 3, 2014, which was a
continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 13/799,580,
filed Mar. 13, 2013, the priority of which is hereby claimed.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A motion activated water repellant sprinkler device that can be
remotely controlled comprising: a water spraying element connected
to a pressurized water source through a water flow control valve; a
control unit operative to initiate opening and closing of the water
flow control valve to control water flow to activate and deactivate
spraying action, said control unit including a receiver configured
to received wireless signals from a remote transmitter; a motion
detector for sensing motion in an area adjacent to the sprinkler
device, the motion detector coupled to said control unit and
configured to signal the control unit when motion has been
detected, said control unit initiating activation of the water
spraying element through opening of the water flow control valve in
response to the motion detector signal; a motor and cam mechanism
coupled between the control unit and the water spraying element,
said control unit activating the motor to rotate the cam mechanism
when motion has been detected; a permanent magnet associated with
said cam mechanism, rotation of said cam mechanism moving the
permanent magnet to a first position adjacent to a metal plunger in
the water flow control valve to pull the plunger back with magnetic
holding force and open the valve, said plunger being spring biased
to close the valve when released from the holding force of the
magnet, further rotation of said cam mechanism moving the magnet to
a second position away from the metal plunger so that the plunger,
when released from the holding force of the magnet, moves under
said spring bias to close the valve; and a remote controller with a
transmitter configured to transmit wireless signals to the receiver
at the control unit, said remote controller enabling a user to
remotely control one or more functions of the sprinkler device.
2. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the motor is only activated while the
valve is being moved between the open and closed positions, the
valve, once open, being kept open by the magnet so that no
additional power is needed to keep the sprinkler active.
3. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said cam mechanism is rotated 180 degrees
to open the valve, and then is rotated an additional 180 degrees to
close the valve.
4. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said remote controller is also configured
to enable a user to remotely set and adjust a sensitivity level of
the motion detector.
5. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said remote controller is further
configured to enable a user to remotely set a particular time
period for continuous sprinkler activity.
6. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 5, wherein said remote controller includes a stop
input by which the user can remotely stop the continuous sprinkler
activity before completion of the remotely set time period.
7. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the remote controller includes an on/off
input configured to enable the user to remotely deactivate the
sprinkler device and remotely reactivate the sprinkler device using
said remote controller.
8. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said transmitter is an RF transmitter and
said receiver is an RF receiver, the wireless signals being RF
signals.
9. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 8, wherein said RF receiver enters a pairing mode
upon initial start up in which the control unit seeks a remote
controller with which to pair, said remote controller being paired
with said control unit upon successful pairing and remaining paired
until power is removed and replaced at the control unit to
re-initiate pairing mode.
10. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 9, further comprising a plurality of sprinkler
devices all paired to the same remote controller.
11. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set
forth in claim 9, further comprising a plurality of sprinkler
devices paired to a plurality of remote controllers, respectively,
so that each sprinkler device is controlled separately by one of
said remote controllers even when several devices are located
within range of a given remote controller.
12. A method of remotely controlling a motion activated water
repellant sprinkler device having a water spraying element
connected to a water source through a water flow control valve, the
water control valve having a metal plunger that is spring biased to
close the water control valve, a control unit operative to initiate
opening and closing of the water flow control valve to control
water flow to activate and deactivate spraying action, a motion
detector for sensing motion in an area adjacent to the sprinkler
device, the motion detector coupled to said control unit and
configured to send a signal to the control unit when motion has
been detected, a motor and cam mechanism coupled between the
control unit and the water spraying element, a permanent magnet
being associated with said cam mechanism, and a remote controller
enabling a user to remotely control one or more functions of the
sprinkler device, the method comprising the steps of: placing the
motion activated water repellant sprinkler device into "on" mode at
the control unit to activate the motion detector; operating the
sprinkler device with the motion detector set at a selected
sensitivity level; in response to detecting motion, said control
unit activating the motor to rotate the cam mechanism which, in
turn, moves the permanent magnet to a first position adjacent to
the metal plunger in the water flow control valve to pull the
plunger back with magnetic holding force and open the water flow
control valve to activate the water spraying element; after a time
period during which the water spray element remains activated, said
control unit activating the motor to further rotate said cam
mechanism to move the magnet to a second position away from the
metal plunger so that the plunger is released from the holding
force of the magnet and moves under said spring bias to close the
valve and deactivate the water spraying element; and using said
remote controller to remotely control one or more functions of the
sprinkler device.
13. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein said method
further comprises the steps of: entering a pairing mode if the
sprinkler device is being placed into "on" mode for a first time
after manufacture or after removal and replacement of a power
source; and upon entry into pairing mode, said control unit seeking
a remote controller with which to pair and, upon detecting a remote
controller within a preset time period, pairing with said remote
controller.
14. The method as set forth in claim 13, wherein said method
further comprises the step of said remote controller remaining
paired to said control unit until power is removed and replaced at
said control unit to re-initiate pairing mode.
15. The method as set forth in claim 13, wherein a plurality of
sprinkler devices are paired to a plurality of remote controllers,
respectively, so that each sprinkler device is controlled
separately even when several devices are located within range of a
given remote controller.
16. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein said motion
detector when initially activated is at a preset sensitivity level,
said method further comprising the steps of: adjusting, if a
sensitivity level different from the preset sensitivity level is
desired, the preset sensitivity level to a selected sensitivity
level for the motion detector by sending a wireless signal
indicating the selected sensitivity level from the remote
controller to the control unit; and receiving the wireless signal
by the control unit, said control unit setting the motion detector
to the selected sensitivity level.
17. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein said method
further comprises the step of sending a wireless signal from the
remote controller to the control unit to remotely set a particular
time period for continuous sprinkler activity.
18. The method as set forth in claim 17, wherein said remote
controller includes a stop button, said method including the step
of a user pressing the stop button to remotely stop the continuous
sprinkler activity before completion of the remotely set time
period.
19. The method as set forth in claim 12, further comprising the
steps of deactivating the sprinkler device using the remote
controller, and then reactivating the sprinkler device using said
remote controller wherein said control unit remains in said "on"
mode when deactivated by said remote controller.
20. The method as set forth in claim 19, further comprising the
step of turning the control unit into "off" mode, said device being
unresponsive to commands sent from the remote controller when said
control unit is in said "off" mode.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to the field of animal repelling
devices and, more particularly, to a motion activated water
repellant sprinkler device that can be remotely controlled.
Description of the Related Art
Motion activated water repellant sprinkler devices are used to
sense the presence of a moving pest animal and, upon sensing
thereof, to activate and direct a spray of water toward the pest
animal in order to drive the animal away.
A prior art sprinkler deterrent device is shown in FIG. 1 and
includes a mounting pole 100 that, supports a sprinkler head 102 at
the top. The bottom of the pole is typically forced into the ground
or otherwise secured to keep the pole steady when the sprinkler
head is activated. A motion detector 104 with a control unit 106 is
mounted to the pole 100. Upon detection of motion within the
established range, the motion detector 104 sends a signal to the
control unit. 106 to open a water control valve (not shown)
positioned between a hose connection 114 and the sprinkler head
102, allowing water to flow to the sprinkler head 102 and initiate
spraying action.
A sprinkler deterrent device operating in response to detected
motion is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,192 ("the '192 patent"),
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if
fully set forth herein. The device in the '192 patent includes a
sprinkler with a connection line to a water supply and a low
voltage electrically operated shut-off valve in the connection
line. An infrared proximity sensor, upon sensing the presence of a
moving object, such as an animal, opens the shut-off valve in the
connection line to turn on the sprinkler. The sprinkler, which is
preferably a pulse type sprinkler, produces a series of pulse
sprays to frighten or startle the animal causing it to move away.
Sprinkler devices of the type disclosed in the Burman patent may be
used to protect shrubbery, flowers, vegetable gardens, farm crops,
etc.
When using an infrared (IR) sensor to detect motion in the area
covered by the sprinkler, the sensitivity of the IR sensor is
typically adjusted manually by the user while standing next to the
device. The user is then required to walk 20-30 feet away from the
device and then move within the sensor's monitored area to see if
the spraying action is activated as desired. If not, the user walks
back to the device, readjusts the sensitivity to a different
setting, and repeats the checking procedure of moving a distance
away from the device and then moving within the sensor's monitored
area to determine whether the sprinkler activates appropriately.
This procedure is repeated as often as necessary until the correct
sensitivity setting is identified.
To disable the sprinkler, the user customarily must manually turn
the device off. This is often disadvantageous in that it can be
very difficult to approach the sprinkler and turn it off without
being sprayed.
Therefore, a need exists for a motion activated water repellant
sprinkler device that overcomes the above difficulties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, the present invention is directed to a
motion activated water repellant sprinkler device for repelling
animals that can be remotely controlled to activate the device,
adjust the sensitivity setting, and deactivate the device.
The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device according to
the present invention also includes a sprinkler mode in which the
sprinkler may be turned on with a manual or remote command, i.e.,
without requiring the detection of motion. In sprinkler mode the
sprinkler will remain on indefinitely or for a preset time period
as determined by the user. Being able to preset a specific time
period allows the motion activated water repellant sprinkler device
to be used not only as an animal deterring device during set
periods but also as a water sprinkler for grass, shrubs, etc.
In view of the foregoing, one object of the present invention is to
overcome the difficulties encountered when setting a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device to the desired degree of
sensitivity and when deactivating/reactivating the device by
enabling these functions to be remotely controlled.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the
preceding object that includes a sprinkler mode in which the device
can be turned on with a remote command and remain on indefinitely
or for a preset time period.
Still another object of the present invention to provide a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the
preceding objects in which a remote control unit is used that
communicates with the sprinkler device using a radio frequency (RF)
signal.
A further object of the present invention to provide a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the
preceding objects in which a remote control unit is used that
communicates with the sprinkler device using an infrared (IR)
signal.
A still further object of the present invention to provide a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the
preceding objects in which the device also includes manual control
capability.
Yet another object of the present invention to provide a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the
preceding objects in which water flow to the device is turned on
and off using a motor and cam valve control system in which the
motor rotates the cam to open and close a water control flow valve
which activates and deactivates spraying action of the sprinkler
device, respectively.
Still another object of the present invention to provide a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the
preceding objects in which rotation of the cam controls the
positioning of a permanent magnet, the water flow being turned on
when the magnet pulls back a metal plunger in the water flow
control valve to open the valve, the metal plunger being released
to close the water flow control valve when the cam is further
rotated and the magnet is thereby repositioned.
Another object of the present invention to provide a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the
preceding objects in which once the motor and cam valve control
system has opened the water flow control valve, power is not
required in order to keep the valve open, thus reducing the power
requirement of the present invention over conventional
solenoid-operated valves.
Yet another object of the present invention to provide a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the
preceding objects that is not complex in structure and which can be
manufactured at low cost but yet is efficiently controlled and
operated to repel animal pests and also to water a desired area for
a set period of time.
These and other objects of the invention, as well as many of the
intended advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent when
reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a prior art motion activated water repellant sprinkler
device.
FIG. 2-1 is a block diagram of the components of the motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with a
first IR embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2-2 is a block diagram of the components of the motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with a
second RF embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3-1 is a block diagram showing the modes and control
components of the main control unit shown in FIG. 2-1.
FIG. 3-2 is a block diagram showing the modes and control
components of the main control unit shown in FIG. 2-2.
FIG. 4-1 is a block diagram showing the control elements of the
remote controller shown in FIG. 2-1.
FIG. 4-2 is a block diagram showing the control elements of the
remote controller shown in FIG. 2-2.
FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the motor and cam valve control
system of the present invention.
FIG. 5B is an assembled view of the motor and cam valve control
system components shown in FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the cam mechanism assembled with
the magnet and valve arm, which components are shown in FIG.
5A.
FIGS. 6A-1 and 6B-1 is a flow chart summarizing the method steps by
which a motion activated water repellant sprinkler device in
accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention is
controlled when the device is in "on" mode.
FIGS. 6A-2 and 6B-2 is a flow chart summarizing the method steps by
which a motion activated water repellant sprinkler device in
accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention is
controlled when the device is in "on" mode.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing the method steps by which a
motion activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance
with the present invention is controlled when the device is in
sprinkler mode.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the pairing process according to the
second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Although two preferred embodiments of the invention are explained
in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are given by
way of illustration only. It is not intended that the invention be
limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the drawings. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments,
specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.
It is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose.
A block diagram of a motion activated water repellant sprinkler
device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention is shown in FIG. 2-1 and in accordance with a second
embodiment in FIG. 2-2. The motion activated water repellant
sprinkler device, generally designated by the reference numeral 10
in FIG. 2-1 and by reference numeral 110 in FIG. 2-2, includes a
motion detector 12 coupled to a main control unit 14, 140 having a
power source that is typically embodied as one or more batteries
11. The sensitivity of the motion detector to movement may be
adjusted by the user using the sensitivity input 36 on the main
unit. To provide enhanced convenience for the user, however, the
user can adjust motion detector sensitivity, while remaining at a
distance from the device, by using the remote controller as will be
described hereinafter.
The device 10, 110 also is provided with a main unit LED 13 and a
remote controller LED 15. While not required, the LEDs, when
included, provide visual feedback to the user during operation and
control of the device. Events triggering illumination of the main
unit LED 13 and/or the remote controller LED 15 may be set up in
various ways during manufacture. Therefore, the timing and degree
to which the main unit LED 13 and/or the remote unit LED 15 are
illuminated as described herein is representative only.
The main control unit 14 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2-1
is configured to receive IR control signals from a remote
controller 16. The main control unit 140 of the second embodiment
shown in FIG. 2-2 is configured to receive RF signals from the
remote controller 160. In the cases of both the first IR embodiment
and the second RF embodiment, when motion is detected, or when a
signal is received from the remote controller 16, 160 to turn the
sprinkler device on, the main unit LED 13 is preferably configured
to blink a preset number of times to provide visual feedback to the
user, and the main control unit 14, 140 activates a motor and cam
valve control system, generally designated by reference numeral 60.
The motor and cam valve control system 60 includes a motor 18 which
is operative with a cam mechanism 20 and a water flow control valve
22. The motor rotates the cam mechanism to a first position in
which the water flow control valve 22 is opened to allow water from
a water source 24 to flow to the sprinkler head 26 which generates
a water spray. When the device is turned off, the motor rotates the
cam mechanism to a second position in which the water flow control
valve 22 is closed, shutting off water flow from the water source
24, as will be described further hereinafter.
As shown in FIG. 3-1, the main control unit 14 of the first
embodiment has a plurality of modes which are set manually. As
shown in FIG. 3-2, the main control unit 140 of the second
embodiment has the same plurality of modes which are also set
manually. According to the illustrated embodiment, these modes
include "on" mode 30, "off" mode 32 and "sprinkler" mode 34.
When the main control unit 14, 140 is set to "on" 30, the sprinkler
device is responsive to commands from the remote controller 16,
160, respectively. Upon receipt of a command, the main unit LED 13
preferably blinks a preset number of times to provide visual
acknowledgment to the user that the command was received. The
remote controller 16, 160 does not have to provide an activation
signal in order for the device to begin operation including motion
detection and sprinkler activation. The user also does not have to
provide a motion detector sensitivity level at the outset using the
remote controller because the system defaults to a factory-preset
sensitivity level when the main control unit is turned to "on" for
the first time. The user may, however, choose to adjust this
sensitivity level as is described hereinafter. The user may also
adjust the default sensitivity level.
To reset the sensitivity level of the sprinkler device to the
factory default setting according to either embodiment, the user
removes and then reinstalls the batteries 11. When the main control
unit is turned on for the first time after reinsertion of the
batteries 11, the default sensitivity level will be that level to
which the device was originally set at the factory. The user is
then free to adjust the sensitivity level up or down as desired.
Thereafter, if the unit is merely turned off and then back on,
i.e., the batteries are not removed, the default sensitivity level
will be set to the most recent level as adjusted by the user.
Battery removal and replacement also prompts a pairing process
between the main control unit and the remote controller in the RF
configuration of the second embodiment, as will be described
hereinafter.
The remote controller 16, 160 can be used to set the sensitivity
level, deactivate and activate the device, and deactivate and
reactivate the sprinkler. With the main control unit "on", and in
the absence of a deactivation or other command from the remote
controller, the device will activate when motion is detected.
Deactivation by the remote controller stops motion detection. The
remote controller activation command is used only after the device
has been deactivated by the remote controller in that, as noted
above, the main control unit automatically becomes activated when
the main control unit is turned "on".
When the main control unit 14, 140 is manually set to "off" 32, the
device is shut down. When shut down, the sprayer 26 and motion
detector 12 are turned off and the device 10, 110 is not responsive
to any commands sent from the remote controller 16, 160.
Finally, when the main control unit is set to "sprinkler" mode 34,
the sprayer 26 is turned on so that water is sprayed indefinitely.
When in sprinkler mode, the main unit LED 13 is preferably
partially lit to present a dimmed state which remains on until the
time period set for sprinkler operation is over. As already noted,
however, LED operation is not required.
When in sprinkler mode, the device will respond to sprinkler
commands from the remote controller just as when the main control
unit is in "on" mode. The sprinkler commands include stop,
activate/deactivate, and timer commands. This listing is not
intended to be comprehensive as the system may be configured to
have additional sprinkler commands. However, with the noted
commands the remote controller can be used to stop the sprinkler,
as well as to deactivate and reactivate the device, when the main
control unit is either in "on" mode or "sprinkler" mode.
Deactivation of the device makes the device unresponsive to motion
detection and also turns off the indefinite spraying action
initiated by placing the main control unit in sprinkler mode. The
device remains responsive to further commands from the remote
controller, however.
More particularly, when the device is deactivated using the remote
controller, and the main control unit is either in "on" or
"sprinkler" mode, the remote controller may thereafter be used to
reactivate the device. Therefore, when speaking of the actions that
are initiated using the remote controller, the terms "activate" or
"reactivate" and "deactivate" are used rather than "on" and "off"
because, unless the main control unit itself is manually set to
"off", the device remains responsive to commands sent by the remote
controller even when deactivated, i.e., the remote controller can
reactivate the device. The device is only truly "off", with respect
to the ability of the device to respond to remote controller
commands, when the main control unit is set to "off". The motion
detector is also unresponsive when the main control unit is
"off".
As is evident, the device may be operated through manual input of a
setting at the main control unit and without a remote controller.
Setting the main control unit to "on" or "sprinkler", and
thereafter controlling the sprinkler device using the remote
controller is, however, the preferred configuration of the present
invention.
In the first embodiment, the main control unit 14 has an IR sensor
38 that, when the main control unit 14 is "on" 30, receives and
acts upon IR control signals from the remote controller 16.
Alternatively, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3-2, the main
control unit 140 is equipped with an RF receiver 138 that receives
RF signals from an RF transmitter 150 (see FIG. 4-2) at the remote
controller 160. Preferably the LEDs 13, 15 are illuminated to blink
a set number of times or to remain on during the controlling
process to provide the user with a visual indication of the device
operation.
As shown in FIGS. 4-1 and 4-2, the remote controller 16, 160 in
each embodiment has a plurality of user input elements generally
referred to by reference numeral 40 in FIG. 4-1 and by reference
numeral 240 in FIG. 4-2. As described herein, the user input
elements 40, 240 are referred to as buttons with the understanding
that the input elements are not limited to buttons but may be
embodied using any known input elements, including but not limited
to buttons, switches, rotary dials, rheostats, a touch screen,
etc.
In the illustrated embodiments, the user input elements include a
device activation button 41, a device deactivation button 42, a
sensitivity level button 44, a sprinkler time set button 46 and a
stop button 48. In response to inputs received from the user using
these buttons, the remote controller 16 in FIG. 4-1 uses an
associated IR transmitter 50 to send an appropriate IR command
signal to the main control unit 14 of the sprinkler device 10.
Similarly, the remote controller 160 in FIG. 4-2, in response to
user input using the buttons, uses an RF transmitter 150 to send an
appropriate RF command signal to the RF receiver 138 at the main
control unit 140 of the sprinkler device 110.
The device deactivation button 42 is used to deactivate operation
of the device remotely. Being able to remotely deactivate the
device allows the user, or other persons or animals in the area, to
approach or move in front of the sprinkler device 10, 110 without
the risk of being sprayed. The device activation button 41 is used
to remotely reactivate the device. A single toggle type button or
switch may alternatively be used to deactivate and reactivate the
device. As explained above, the device may only be "reactivated"
using the remote controller when the manual setting at the main
control unit is in the "on" or the "sprinkler" mode.
The sensitivity level button 44 enables the user to set the
sensitivity of the motion detector to motion by simply selecting
the desired sensitivity level on the remote controller. In the
illustrated embodiment, the settings are designated by a range of
1-9, with 9 being the most sensitive setting. Other ranges could,
of course, be established.
With the remote controller 16, 160 the user can select and, as
necessary, adjust a sensitivity setting without having to walk back
and forth from the device 10, 110 to a motion test location. For
example, the user may first select sensitivity setting "2" and then
can walk around to see how much motion or what speed of motion is
needed to activate the sprinkler device 10, 110. If, in the user's
view, too much motion or motion speed is required to activate the
sprinkler device, the user can simply select a higher sensitivity
setting, such as "8", and repeat the test process. If sensitivity
setting "8" proves to be too sensitive, e.g., activating the
sprinkler device in response to leaf motion, then the user can
adjust the setting accordingly. All of these adjustments can be
made at a distance from the sprinkler device using the remote
controller 16, 160, eliminating the need for the user to have to
repeatedly walk up to the unit 10, 110 to select a setting, move
away from the unit to test the setting, etc.
The sprinkler time set button 46 allows the user to set a
particular time period for which the user wants the sprinkler to
remain active, i.e., to spray continually for a set period of time.
According to one preferred embodiment, the selectable time periods
may be 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 60 minutes. These time periods
are only representative, of course, as any time period may be
included in the user's choices according to the design of the
remote controller 16, 160. For example, the time period could be
advantageously controlled using a rotary dial to set any length of
time between one minute to two hours. Alternatively, the time could
be set by a minute/second window display with a touch screen
enabling the user to increase or decrease the set time. Using the
sprinkler time set button, the user can employ the sprinkler device
as a watering device for plants or as a timed deterrent against
encroaching animals.
The sprinkler stop button 48 provides the user with the ability to
stop the sprinkler when it has been set with the time set button 46
and the user wants to stop the spraying action before the time
period is up.
In both of the disclosed embodiments, water flow from the water
source 24 to the sprinkler head 26 is controlled by the motor and
cam valve control system 60, as shown in the exploded view of FIG.
5A and the assembled view of FIG. 5B. Broadly, the motor and cam
valve control system 60 includes the motor generally designated by
reference numeral 18, the water flow control valve generally
designated by reference numeral 22, and the cam mechanism generally
designated by reference numeral 20. The water flow control valve 22
is opened and closed by the cam mechanism 20.
The motor includes a motor assembly 302 mounted to a motor bracket
304 with screws 306. The water flow control valve 22 includes a
valve manifold 308, a valve diaphragm 310, a valve back housing 312
and a valve arm 314. The valve 22 also includes a permanent magnet
316, and a metal valve plunger 318 with spring 320. The cam
mechanism 20 includes a left valve cam 322, a right valve cam 324
and a cam drive pin 326. When the left and right valve cams 322 and
324 are mounted together, as shown in FIG. 5C, they create a curved
gap or channel 317 between them. Pin 326, which is mounted in a
receiving part 319 on the arm 314, rides in this channel 317 so
that, as the motor spins, the arm 314 moves in and out.
The valve diaphragm 310 is positioned between the valve manifold
308 and a central opening 330 in the valve back housing 312. An
outer end 332 of the metal plunger 318 is received within the
opening 330 in the valve back housing 312, and an inner end 334 of
the plunger 318 is seated against the diaphragm 310. The spring 320
is secured to the inner end 334 of the plunger 318 to bias the
plunger inwardly. When the valve back housing is secured to the
valve manifold 308 to form a valve housing, generally designated by
reference numeral 336, the diaphragm 310, plunger 318 and spring
320 are enclosed within the housing 336. As used herein, "outer"
and "outwardly" refer to that portion of the motor and cam valve
control system nearest the motor, while "inner" refers to the
portion of the system nearest the valve manifold 308. The magnet is
received within the ring part 313 of the valve arm 314, such as
with a press fit. The axle 311 on the inner valve arm 314 is
pivotally mounted to the housing 312 using a small clip 315.
The valve housing 336 is mounted on a support structure such as
tube or pipe 338. The lower end of the pipe is fitted with a hose
coupling 340 and coupling retainer 342 with suitable sealing
elements including o-ring 344 and gasket 346. A hose (not shown)
may be secured to the hose coupling 340 at one hose end and to a
water source 24 at the hose opposite end. The water source 24 may
be a city water supply or well that provides water to a dwelling or
other building which is then sent through the hose under pressure
or other pressurized water supplying configuration.
When the valve 22 is in the closed position and the sprinkler is
turned on, either by detection of motion, by the main control unit
being placed in "sprinkler" mode or by the remote controller, the
motor 18 is activated. The motor rotates the cam mechanism 20 a
preset number of degrees in a first direction to a first position
and then turns off. In the first position, the cam mechanism
positions the permanent magnet 316 in such a way that the magnet
pulls back the metal plunger 318 in the water flow control valve to
open the valve and allow water to flow through the valve to the
sprinkler head 26. When the sprinkler is turned on in response to
the detection of motion, the sprinkler will remain on for a preset
period of time and then stop. Thereafter, if motion is detected
again, the sprinkler will again come on and spray for the preset
period of time. When the sprinkler has been turned on by the main
control unit being placed in "sprinkler" mode or by the remote
controller, water will continue to flow until power is reapplied to
the motor in response to receipt of a further command from the
remote controller or manual input of a new mode to the main control
unit. The motor may be configured to rotate the cam mechanism a
preset number of degrees in a second direction to a second position
and then turn off. Alternatively, the motor may be configured to
rotate the cam mechanism an additional preset number of degrees in
the same first direction to reach the second position and then turn
off.
In the second position, the magnet 316 is moved outwardly so that
the metal plunger 318 is released from the holding force of the
magnet. Once released, the plunger moves inwardly under the force
of the spring 320 to close the valve and turn off the flow of water
to the sprinkler head 26. The cam mechanism rotates only to move
the magnet to open and close the valve; thus, movement of the
sprinkler head side to side is a function of water pressure and the
design of the sprinkler as in the '192 patent.
The motor and cam system 60 as described herein has a low power
requirement since the motor is only turned on to rotate the cam
mechanism between the opened and closed valve positions. Once the
cam mechanism is rotated to open the valve, the motor does not need
to continue running in order to maintain spraying action by the
device as the magnet keeps the valve open. This is an advantage
over conventional solenoid-operated valve control devices which
require a constant supply of power to the solenoid to keep the
valve open and the sprinkler actively spraying. The low power
consumption of the present invention is of particular benefit when
the sprinkler is operating in sprinkler mode or when the sprinkler
time set input has been used to command the device to spray
continually for a set period of time.
According to a preferred embodiment, the motor rotates the cam
mechanism 180 degrees to open the valve, and then rotates the cam
mechanism another 180 degrees in the same direction to return to
the starting position in which the valve is closed. Alternatively,
as described above, the system may be configured so that the motor
rotates the cam mechanism in two directions, first 180 degrees in
one direction to open the valve and then 180 degrees in the
opposite direction to close the valve. Greater or lesser degrees of
rotation could, of course, be used with appropriate design of the
cam mechanism and associated elements.
As would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the
water flow control valve could be opened and/or closed using other
mechanisms such as a solenoid or other component(s) as described in
the '192 patent. However, the motor and cam valve control system of
the present invention is advantageous as this system requires far
less power than a conventional solenoid as described above.
As summarized in the flow charts of FIGS. 6A-1 and 6B-1, and 6A-2
and 6B-2, as well as FIG. 7, the present invention also includes a
method of remotely controlling a motion activated water repellant
sprinkler device. The majority of the method steps are identical
for both embodiments and therefore the steps common to both will be
described only once.
The method includes providing a device having a water spraying
element, a main control unit, a motion detector and a remote
controller, step 400. The water spraying element of the device is
connected to a water source through a water flow control valve. The
valve is controlled by the motor and cam valve control system 60.
The main control unit of the device is operative to initiate
opening and closing of the water flow control valve to control
water flow to activate and deactivate spraying action. The motion
detector of the device is coupled to the main control unit and,
when motion is sensed in a monitored area adjacent the sprinkler
device, the motion detector sends a signal to the main control
unit. In response to the motion detector signal, the main control
unit initiates activation of the water spraying element through
opening of the water flow control valve. The remote controller is
configured to enable the user to deactivate and reactivate the
device when the main control unit is "on" or in "sprinkler" mode,
and also to set a sensitivity setting of the motion detector.
The flowchart shown in FIGS. 6A-1 and 6B-1 sets forth the control
steps when the device of the first embodiment is used as a motion
detector activated device. Similar steps for the second embodiment
are illustrated in the flowchart shown by FIGS. 6A-2 and 6B-2. The
user places the main control unit into "on" mode, step 402, and
using the remote controller, selects a sensitivity level for the
motion detector, step 404. The remote controller sends a signal to
the main control unit indicating the selected sensitivity level,
step 406. When the signal is received by the main control unit, the
main control unit sets the motion detector to the desired
sensitivity level, step 408. The motion activated water repellant
sprinkler device then operates with the motion detector set at the
desired sensitivity level as selected by the user using the remote
controller, step 410.
If the user wants to deactivate the device, step 412, in order to
be able to approach the sprinkler device, for example, the user
sends a deactivation signal from the remote controller to the main
control unit. In the first embodiment, the deactivation signal is
embodied as an IR signal sent to an IR sensor 38 (see FIG. 3-1) at
the main control unit, step 414. In the second embodiment, the
deactivation signal is embodied as an RF signal sent to an RF
receiver 138 (see FIG. 3-2) at the main control unit 140, step 415.
Upon receipt of the signal, the main control unit deactivates the
device while the user remains remotely located from the device,
step 414 and step 415. Motion detector deactivation may be effected
by sending a device deactivation signal from the remote controller
or by turning the main control unit off. Once deactivated, the user
can approach the device without risk of being sprayed.
If the user desires to reactivate the device, step 416, the user
sends a command to the main control unit using the remote
controller to reactivate the device remotely, step 418. If
reactivation is not desired, step 416, no action is necessary, step
430.
The control steps for operating the device 10, 110 in "sprinkler"
mode are the same for both embodiments and are summarized in FIG.
7. As in the "on" mode, the method includes providing a device
having a water spraying element, a main control unit, a motion
detector and a remote controller, step 401. The user places the
main control unit into "sprinkler" mode, step 419. If the user
wishes to remotely set a particular time period for continuous
sprinkler activity, step 420, the user enters a desired time period
and sends a wireless signal with this information to the main
control unit, step 422. If the user wishes to stop the continuous
sprinkler activity before completion of the remotely set time
period, step 424, the user activates a stop button on the remote
controller, sending a signal to the main control unit to deactivate
the sprinkler, step 426. If the user does not want to interrupt
continuous sprinkler activity, no action is required, step 431.
The second embodiment of the present invention, relying on
omni-directional RF signals, enters a pairing mode at particular
times in order to pair the main control unit with a specific remote
controller. Through pairing, the sprinkler devices may be
controlled individually even if several devices are located within
range of the specific remote controller. In addition or
alternatively, multiple sprinkler devices may be paired to the same
remote controller. The pairing mode is summarized in the flowchart
of FIG. 8.
The pairing mode is first entered when power is provided to the
device 110, as by installing batteries 11, and the device is turned
on for the first time, step 500. The pairing mode is also entered
following removal and replacement of the batteries in the main
control unit, step 502.
When pairing mode has been entered, step 504, the control unit
seeks to find a remote controller with which to pair, step 506.
According to a preferred embodiment, active seeking by the remote
controller is prompted by the user pressing one of the buttons on
the controller. Other actions by the user for activating the search
for a remote controller could also be used as would be understood
by persons of ordinary control in the art. The period of time
during which the main control unit is in pairing mode is preferably
about 60 seconds, although this time period may be shorter or
longer as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the
art. The control unit is preferably configured to pair with the
first remote controller that it "hears" within the pairing time
period.
If a remote controller is found within the time period, step 508,
the pairing is successful, step 510. After being successfully
paired, the device, if turned off and then back on, will default to
the remote controller to which it was previously paired. If no
remote controller is detected during the time period, step 508, the
user removes the batteries, step 512, and then reinstalls the
batteries, step 514, in order to re-enter the pairing mode, step
504. The batteries may also be removed from the control unit and
reinstalled after a successful pairing in the event the user wants
to pair the device to a different remote controller.
The use of RF transmissions in the second embodiment provides for
communication between the remote controller and the main control
unit in the absence of line-of-sight. Hence, the user can use the
RF transmitter-equipped remote controller to send commands to the
RF receiver of the main unit with greater flexibility in user
location than is available when using IR signals which typically
require line-of-sight.
As described herein, the present invention provides a motion
activated water repellant sprinkler device and method having a main
control unit that can be set to allow the device to be remotely
controlled. According to the first embodiment, the main control
unit 14 includes an IR sensor 38 that receives IR signals from the
remote controller 16. In the second embodiment, the main control
unit 140 includes an RF receiver 138 that receives RF signals from
an RF transmitter at the remote controller 160. In both
embodiments, when the main control unit is on, the user can adjust
the sensitivity setting of the motion detector, deactivate and
reactivate the device, set timed periods during which the sprinkler
will spray continually, and stop the sprinkler device using the
remote controller.
The foregoing descriptions and drawings should be considered as
illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention
may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not
limited by the dimensions of the preferred embodiment. Numerous
applications of the present invention will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the
invention to the specific examples disclosed or the exact
construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all
suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling
within the scope of the invention.
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